3 Ingredient Peppermint Cloud Cookies

If you’re looking for a festive, easy-to-make cookie that melts in your mouth, then you’re in the right place! 3 ingredient peppermint cloud cookies are a light, airy, and delicious treat—perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a peppermint-flavored delight. With just egg whites, sugar, and peppermint extract, these cookies are not only simple but also flourless, dairy-free, and low in calories.

Chef’s Feedback on This Recipe

“These cookies are one of my all-time favorites because they bring a touch of magic to holiday baking. The first time I made them, I was amazed by how something so simple could be so delightful. Their crisp exterior and soft, chewy center make them a crowd-pleaser every time!”

Part 1: Introduction to 3 Ingredient Peppermint Cloud Cookies

What Are Peppermint Cloud Cookies?

Peppermint cloud cookies are a type of meringue cookie, but with a special twist. Unlike traditional meringue cookies that are crisp all the way through, these have a soft, chewy center with a crispy exterior. The peppermint flavor adds a refreshing holiday touch, making them perfect for as a year-round treat.

“These cookies taste like little peppermint-flavored clouds. They are light, delicate, and practically dissolve in your mouth!”

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Here’s why these cookies should be your next baking project:

• Only 3 Ingredients – No flour, butter, or dairy needed!
• Low-Calorie & Guilt-Free – Each cookie has about 13 calories only.
• Perfect for Gifting – Their airy texture and festive look make them a great homemade gift.
• Fun to Decorate – Add sprinkles or a swirl of red food coloring for a peppermint candy look.

Table: Quick Overview of Peppermint Cloud Cookies

Feature	Details
Main Ingredients	Egg whites, Sugar, Peppermint extract
Baking Time	About 1 hour + cooling time
Texture	Crispy outside, soft & chewy inside
Calories per Cookie	~13 kcal
Special Diets	Gluten-free, dairy-free, low-fat

Part 2: Ingredients Needed for Peppermint Cloud Cookies

Before you start baking these delightful 3 ingredient peppermint cloud cookies, it’s important to understand what each ingredient does and why it’s essential for the perfect texture and taste.

The 3 Essential Ingredients

Unlike traditional cookies that require flour, butter, or leavening agents, these cloud-like cookies only need three simple ingredients:

Ingredient	Purpose
Egg whites	Forms the airy, fluffy base of the cookies
Sugar	Sweetens the cookies and helps create a stable meringue
Peppermint extract	Adds the refreshing minty flavor that makes these cookies special

Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that light, crispy exterior with a chewy center.

“The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so fun! With just three pantry staples, you can create something truly magical.”

Optional Additions for Extra Flair

While the base recipe is perfect on its own, you can experiment with a few optional add-ins:

• Red food coloring – To create a peppermint swirl effect
• Sprinkles or crushed peppermint candy – For extra crunch and decoration
• Cream of tartar – Helps stabilize egg whites if you’re new to making meringue

Pro Tip: If you can’t find superfine sugar, simply pulse regular granulated sugar in a blender for a few seconds. It dissolves faster, resulting in a smoother meringue!

Part 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Making 3 Ingredient Peppermint Cloud Cookies

Making 3 ingredient peppermint cloud cookies is easy if you follow a few important steps. Since they are meringue-based, precision is key!

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients and Equipment

Before you start, gather everything you need:

• A large mixing bowl (ensure it’s completely grease-free)
• A hand or stand mixer (whisking by hand will take too long)
• A piping bag with a star tip (optional, but makes prettier cookies)
• A baking sheet lined with parchment paper

“Meringue cookies can be tricky if any grease or yolk gets into your egg whites. Always use a clean, dry bowl for best results!”

Step 2: Whipping the Egg Whites to Perfection

1. Separate the egg whites carefully, ensuring no yolk gets in.
2. Start beating the egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy.
3. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to mix.
4. Once all the sugar is added, increase to high speed and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
5. Gently mix in the peppermint extract.

“You’ll know your meringue is ready when it holds its shape without collapsing. If it looks runny, keep whipping!”

Step 3: Shaping and Baking the Cookies

1. Prepare the piping bag: If using red food coloring, paint thin stripes inside the bag for a swirl effect.
2. Pipe the cookies: Spoon the meringue into the bag and pipe small oval shapes onto the parchment paper.
3. Bake low and slow: Place the cookies in a preheated oven at 225°F (107°C) for 1 hour.
4. Cool inside the oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cookies inside for another 30-60 minutes to prevent cracking.

“Baking at a low temperature is crucial. Rushing the process can cause the cookies to brown instead of staying white and crisp!”

Table: Baking Overview for Peppermint Cloud Cookies

Step	Temperature	Time
Baking	225°F (107°C)	1 hour
Cooling in Oven	Oven off	30-60 minutes
Final Cooling	Room temperature	Until crisp outside & chewy inside

After cooling, your light and airy peppermint cloud cookies are ready to enjoy!

Part 4: Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Cloud Cookies

Making 3 ingredient peppermint cloud cookies is simple, but small mistakes can affect the final result. Follow these expert tips to get light, airy, and crisp cookies every time!

How to Ensure Stiff Peaks Form Properly

The secret to the perfect meringue lies in how well you beat the egg whites. If they don’t reach stiff peaks, your cookies may turn out flat and sticky.

• Use room-temperature egg whites for better volume.
• Ensure your mixing bowl is completely grease-free—any oil can ruin the meringue.
• Beat at medium speed first, then increase to high once the mixture becomes foamy.
• If you’re new to making meringue, add ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar to stabilize the egg whites.

“You’ll know the peaks are ready when you lift the whisk and the meringue holds its shape without collapsing.”

How to Prevent the Cookies from Browning

Peppermint cloud cookies should have a light, snowy white color. To avoid browning:

• Bake at a low temperature (225°F/107°C)—higher heat can caramelize the sugar, turning them tan.
• Avoid opening the oven door while baking. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks and browning.
• Use superfine sugar—it dissolves faster and prevents a grainy texture.

Storage Tips for Freshness

These cookies are delicate, so storing them properly is important.

Storage Method	How Long They Last
Airtight container (room temp.)	1-2 weeks
Refrigerator (sealed container)	Up to 3 weeks
Freezer (sealed container)	Up to 2 months

• Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture.
• If they become soft, bake them at 200°F (93°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them up again.
• Store them away from humidity—moisture will make them sticky.

Part 5: Fun Variations and Creative Twists

Once you’ve mastered the classic 3 ingredient peppermint cloud cookies, why not try some fun variations? Here are some creative ideas to make them even more exciting!

Different Flavor Ideas

Want to experiment with new flavors? Swap out peppermint extract for something different:

• Vanilla extract – A classic, mild sweetness.
• Almond extract – A nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Cocoa powder – Turn them into chocolate cloud cookies!
• Coconut extract – A tropical twist.

“A little extract goes a long way! Start with ⅛ teaspoon and adjust to taste.”

Decorating for Special Occasions

These cookies can be customized for any event!

• For a Birthday Party – Top with colorful confetti sprinkles.
• For an Elegant Look – Drizzle with melted dark chocolate.

“Piping the cookies into fun shapes like stars or swirls makes them even more special!”

If you love light and airy cookies like these peppermint cloud cookies, you might also enjoy trying this delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe for a fruity twist on a classic treat!

Part 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even though 3 ingredient peppermint cloud cookies are simple to make, small mistakes can lead to flat, sticky, or crumbly cookies. Below are some common problems and how to fix them.

Why Are My Peppermint Cloud Cookies Sticky?

Sticky cookies are usually caused by humidity or underbaking.

• Problem: The cookies feel tacky and don’t crisp up.
• Solution:
  • Let them cool completely before storing.
  • Store them in an airtight container away from moisture.
  • If they soften over time, bake them at 200°F (93°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them up again.

“Humidity is the enemy of meringue cookies! If the air is too damp, your cookies might not dry properly.”

Why Did My Cookies Collapse?

If your cookies deflate or spread too much, the meringue may not have been whipped properly.

• Problem: The cookies look flat and lose their shape.
• Solution:
  • Ensure your egg whites reach stiff peaks before baking.
  • Avoid overmixing when adding peppermint extract.
  • Use superfine sugar so it dissolves faster and creates a stable meringue.

“If your meringue looks too runny, it needs more whipping!”

Can I Use Regular Sugar Instead of Caster Sugar?

Yes, but it will change the texture and baking time.

• Problem: The cookies take longer to bake and turn slightly golden.
• Solution:
  • Pulse regular sugar in a blender to make it finer.
  • Bake at 225°F (107°C) and extend cooling time for extra crispiness.

“Superfine sugar makes a big difference, but if you don’t have it, blending regular sugar for a few seconds works too!”

Part 7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about making 3 ingredient peppermint cloud cookies.

Why Are My 3 Ingredient Peppermint Cloud Cookies Falling Apart?

If your cookies crumble easily, it might be due to overbaking or incorrect ingredient ratios.

• Make sure your egg whites reach stiff peaks before baking.
• Don’t bake at too high a temperature—keep it low and slow.
• Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

What Are the Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Peppermint Cloud Cookies?

These cookies only require:

• Egg whites (for structure and fluffiness)
• Sugar (for sweetness and stability)
• Peppermint extract (for a refreshing minty flavor)

That’s it! No flour, butter, or dairy needed!

Can I Make These Cookies Without a Piping Bag?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a piping bag:

• Use a spoon to drop small mounds onto the baking sheet.
• Shape them with the back of the spoon for a more uniform look.

How Long Do Peppermint Cloud Cookies Last?

If stored properly, they stay fresh for:

Storage Method	How Long They Last
Airtight container (room temp.)	1-2 weeks
Refrigerator (sealed container)	Up to 3 weeks
Freezer (sealed container)	Up to 2 months

“To keep them crispy, store in a dry place away from moisture!”

Part 8: Fun Ways to Serve and Enjoy Peppermint Cloud Cookies

Once you’ve baked your 3 ingredient peppermint cloud cookies, it’s time to enjoy them! These cookies are not just delicious on their own—they can also be used in creative ways to make other desserts even better.

Pairing with Drinks

These light and airy cookies taste amazing with both hot and cold drinks. Here are some perfect pairings:

• Hot Chocolate – The peppermint flavor adds a minty twist to your warm cocoa.
• Coffee or Espresso – The crisp texture of the cookies balances well with a strong cup of coffee.
• Milk – A simple yet classic pairing that makes them extra comforting.

“Dipping these cookies into hot cocoa is my favorite way to enjoy them! They melt just enough to create the perfect bite.”

Using Them in Other Desserts

If you want to take your cookies to the next level, try using them as part of other desserts:

• Crush them over ice cream – Adds a peppermint crunch to vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• Make a dessert sandwich – Place a scoop of whipped cream between two cookies for a mini peppermint treat.
• Layer them in a trifle – Use crushed cookies between layers of whipped cream and berries for a festive dessert.

Looking for more easy cookie recipes? Check out this irresistible Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for a bite-sized chocolatey delight!

Part 9: Why You Should Try These Cookies Today

Still wondering if you should make 3 ingredient peppermint cloud cookies? Here’s why they’re worth trying!

They Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are great for:

• Holiday parties – Their peppermint flavor makes them a festive treat.
• Gifting – Package them in a cute box or bag for a homemade present.
• Everyday snacking – They are light, low in calories, and easy to enjoy anytime.

Since they require only three ingredients, they are budget-friendly and great for last-minute baking!

Quick Recap: What Makes These Cookies Special?

Feature	Why It’s Great
Only 3 ingredients	Simple and easy to make
Flourless & dairy-free	Great for people with dietary restrictions
Light and crispy	Perfect balance of crunch and chewiness
Festive and customizable	Add colors, sprinkles, or drizzle chocolate

Conclusion

3 ingredient peppermint cloud cookies are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves light, crispy, and minty-sweet treats. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or just craving something sweet, these cookies are simple, delicious, and fun to bake.

Why not try making them today? You’ll be amazed at how three simple ingredients can create such a delightful dessert!

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